Category: Our Blog

The past few years have seen a drastic rise in home and office cleaning owing to the pandemic. Without regular cleaning, workplaces can become breeding grounds for viruses, bacteria, and mold in no time.

Hence, we come bearing good news; today, you can find many office cleaning supplies that can make your workplace clean, safe, and hygienic without affecting the environment.

So, are you ready to get started?

What is Eco-Friendly Office Cleaning?

Green or eco-friendly office cleaning includes different ways to clean the work area while keeping the environment safe. That means our cleaning products should be safe, environmentally friendly, CFC-free and biodegradable.

Most of the products you buy off the shelves come with clear labeling, showing us if they meet the environmental safety standards. However, you must check the labels thoroughly; sometimes, these just signify the CSR activities and use of recycled paper or materials. Meanwhile, the product still has traces of harmful chemicals inside.

That's why you need to know the key ingredients before putting these products in your cart. These include:

• Chlorine
• Artificial fragrance
• Phosphates
• Artificial colors

Why Do We Need Eco-Friendly Office Cleaning Products?

More and more businesses today are opting for environment-friendly practices. These include reducing waste, economizing the use of resources, and going green where possible.

However, many businesses still fail to look into the cleaning practices they follow in the office. As a result, many chemicals we frequently use, like odor neutralizers, air fresheners, etc., can adversely affect the environment.

Some of the chemicals in these cleaning products are so harsh that they can cause cancers and even congenital disabilities in newborns. Furthermore, the sanitizers and disinfectants get washed down once they do their job into the water pipes to our lakes and rivers.

Despite several treatments, there are stubborn contaminants that do not leave and significantly impact our sea and wildlife. Hence that’s a cry for help and the need to go green where we can to save the planet!

Eco-Friendly Office Cleaning Tips

Today, we have multiple options to disinfect, clean, and sanitize our workplaces. Moreover, as technology advances, we can expand our lists to include green, sustainable, and eco-friendly cleaning products.

This way, we can ensure our office stays clean and hygienic without adversely affecting the people or surroundings.

Make the Switch

If you are keen on switching to the right environment-friendly products, check the kind of supplies used frequently in the office.

Make a list, ask around or liaise with professional eco-friendly office cleaning services and go through their cleaning products.

Check if any of these on the list are already eco-friendly. Check for the eco-labels, verifications, certifications, or tests that can signify the product is safe for the environment.

Ingredient Glossary

Many of the products we find are falsely labeled and designed to mislead the customers. Words like ‘green’ and ‘organic’ should be clear red flags, especially when there’s no backing to the claim on the packaging.

Before heading to the stores and standing confused in the aisle, you should know some key definitions.

Phosphate-Free

Phosphate-free products are generally safe for humans as well as the environment.

Bio-Based

These are made from natural plants and do not release pollutants or dangerous chemicals into the environment.

Non-Toxic

These products are usually certified and tested to be environmentally sustainable and safe.

Buy Refills

Instead of purchasing large plastic bottles every time you run out of cleaning supplies, it is best to buy refills.
Not only are these more economical, but they also reduce plastic consumption. Similarly, purchase refills for dishwashing liquid, sanitizers, liquid soaps, and sprays instead of buying more plastic.

Use Eco-friendly Toilet Paper

There's a separate aisle for toilet paper and rolls at the stores. Fortunately, you can easily find many environmentally safe and hygienic options among these. Paper towels are a great choice as these are easy to dispose of and work just as effectively.

Talk to the Office Cleaning Services

Usually, non-routine, thorough cleaning is done by third-party contractors or cleaning services. So, you can easily get in touch with them and get them to make you a list of eco-friendly cleaning products to use for deep cleaning.

If a company cannot provide such a listing, you may consider changing the vendor and finding better alternatives. However, many cleaning services come with green labels and meet the criteria for providing eco-friendly services.

Find Sustainable Cleaning Equipment

Just like the supplies, you must switch to eco-friendly office cleaning equipment. For instance, there are some heavy machines like floor cleaners that make use of water to clean the flooring.

Robot cleaners, wall-mounted dispensers, etc., make the process more efficient and reduce energy consumption and pollution.

You can also talk with professional service providers to use steam for carpet, bathroom, and sofa cleaning.

Reduce Waste

Declutter, organize, and reduce litter where you can. For example, make the switch from plastic to reusable glasses and jugs. The same goes for the food containers; opt for glass and ceramicware instead of plastic.

Then reduce paper usage where you can and work through organizing the waste leaving your premises. That way separating and recycling the materials can significantly reduce your waste pile and get you on the road to green living.

Replace Old Furniture

You may also consider replacing the old furniture with modern, easy-to-use, clean tables, desks, and chairs. It is best to find furniture that doesn’t need an extra amount of cleaning. Just a damp microfiber cloth should suffice to remove the stains and dust.

Train and Educate the Staff

Arrange training and open brainstorming sessions with your staff. Come up with new ideas to go green and tell them about the importance and relevance of eco-friendly office cleaning.

Conclusion

The key to making the change is shifting to green and eco-friendly office cleaning. Make sure to have everyone on board with the plan. That could have the dual benefit of more employees contributing to environmental safety in the office and at home. If you want to find commercial cleaning services for your office you can book our cleaning services online.

Since resistance to change is natural, it will not be easy to make the shift. However, once you take the time to go through the products and lists, it’s a great step forward to a greener, eco-friendly space for you and your employees.

Summer is finally here and the days are getting warmer, while you can call in a house cleaning service to get your home in shape, there are a few things you can do to help keep your home smelling fresh between house cleaning service visits.

Clean and summery scents do a lot for us, but if you don’t want to use sprays and plug-in air fresheners, burners or melts – you can use a range of natural ingredients to make your home smell clean and fresh.

Lemon – the zesty, clean fragrance of lemon gives you that instant lift. Why not try rubbing a few drops of essential lemon oil on doorknobs, or you can peel a lemon and then twist the peel so that the oils are released. Alternatively, you can simmer some slices of lemon on the stove to scent the air.

Lavender – Find a nice decorative container and pop a handful of dried lavender into it. If you pop it beside your bed in the bedroom, not only will it make your room smell fresh, it will also help give you a relaxing sleep.

Rosemary – Did you know you can burn sprigs of dried rosemary (be sure to place a dish underneath to catch any sparks). This not only cleanses the atmosphere in your home, but the scent is also very refreshing. Rosemary has been used in sickrooms for centuries since it is a time-honoured antimicrobial.

Vanilla – The vanilla bean has properties that reduce odours. Just take 1-2 teaspoons of natural vanilla extract, place it in a small cup and leave it wherever you need the air to be fresher.

Sprays and mists are a great way to add beautiful and natural scents to your home, and, they are proven allies in the fight against germs. Mists and sprays are a simple and effective way of providing some aromatherapy just by using a spray bottle, water and some essential oils. There is nothing easier than spraying a few drops of these antibacterial sprays on bathroom surfaces, doorknobs, telephones – anything you touch – to keep your home smelling sweet.

Essential oils are antibacterial, so they help kill germs. These formulas will keep indefinitely, and your home will smell marvellous – you also won’t have to worry if house guests bring colds with them.

This recipe will make 5 cups of spray. Use it on non-staining surfaces or just spray upwards into the centre of the room – avoid contact with your eyes.

Ingredients

Use an eyedropper to place the following in a small glass jar with a lid (a baby food jar is ideal):

• 20 drops sweet orange essential oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Mix well. To use, add 4-8 drops of this base to one cup of purified or distilled water in a spray bottle, shaking to mix. Store in a cool, dark place.

A cuddle toy can be one of the most treasured possessions for a young child.
They might take it everywhere and never let it out of their sight.
However, this can often mean that the toy will quickly become a magnet for dust, dirt, bacteria, and all manner of other things which children seem to attract. Sometimes, you will be forced to find the best way to clean a cuddle toy, but what is the best way to go about it? Once you have convinced your child that the toy needs a bath, it is time to move on to the first step.

Does Your Cuddle Toy Have Stains?

If the cuddle toy has acquired some spots or stains – which is almost inevitable – then it might be time to apply special measures. Before using any stain removal solution, test a small area first to ensure that no lasting damage is done. Then, once you have applied a small amount of the product, leave it to dry and inspect it for any damage. While there is a range of stain removal agents available, you might want to try one of these formulated solutions:

• Mix three spoons of dish soap, a tiny drop of ammonia, and water. Then, apply the foam which forms to the required areas before wiping it away with a wet cloth.
• You can also mix water with rubbing alcohol and dish soap, applying only the bubbles and foam that form and then wiping them away.
• Removing odors is another issue, which can often be beaten by placing the cuddle toy in a standard paper bag with a small amount of baking soda. Shake the bag to cover the toy in the bicarbonate of soda and then leave it all to sit for an hour—towel off the powder and test for the smell.

It might be a wonder of the modern age that many cuddle toys can be machine washed. Check the label on the toy before you do so, and remove any batteries or attachments which might be at risk before starting the cycle. You can help keep cuddle toys soft using fabric softener, and placing the toy in a pillowcase will prevent it from mixing with your regular wash. The older or more delicate a cuddle toy might be, the less well it will respond to machine washing. Foam beads inside toys or fibrefill make them unsuitable for washing, and more giant toys should avoid the machine.

Once you have removed a cuddle toy from a washing machine, brush it down and then leave it to dry. A tumble dryer is not advised to clean a cuddle toy as it might cause stretching or shrinkage. A clothesline can be helpful but avoid direct sunlight.

A House Cleaning Service is No Longer Out of Your Reach

Getting your house professionally cleaned doesn’t have to clear out your bank account. We understand that not everyone can afford to pay for a full time housekeeper but why don’t you deserve to come home to a clean house? If this is a dream that you have, you share it with countless other people. There are so many wonderful things about hiring a house cleaning service but the more important thing is: It’s affordable. You don’t have to be rich to have your house cleaned so why don’t you pamper yourself and enjoy the benefits of getting your home professionally cleaned.

1. Peace of Mind

When you hire a house cleaning service you no longer have to worry about getting all the house work done. Your new cleaning service will take the brunt of it off your shoulders. When you don’t have to worry about vacuuming and mopping you have more time to relax and enjoy the book that has been collecting dust on your bedside table. You deserve to have a little relaxation time.

2. Free Time

When you think about the amount of time you spend vacuuming, dusting, cleaning, doing laundry, and mopping it definitely adds up. What would you rather be doing than cleaning your home? Personally, I would love to have more time to read or take my dog for a walk. All that time cleaning adds up to hours, not minutes. Hiring a house cleaning service can free up those hours for you.

3. Routine

Instead of dreading cleaning day you will begin to love when your house cleaning service comes to clean. There is nothing better than coming home to a clean home. When your family begins to get into a routine of having their house cleaned there is more time available to spend organizing, rearranging, or even purging. When you are constantly just keeping up on regular household maintenance things can fall through the cracks. Take charge of your home again by hiring a house cleaning service.

C’s can help bring peace of mind, free time, and routine into your home. Visit our website for more information.

Rust Stains Be Gone!

Everyone goes through the same problems with shaving cream aerosol cans…they always leave a rim of rust behind. The most common solution to think problem would be to scrub away at the rust stain with bleach. Bleach is toxic and could end up doing more damage than good. Bleach does not kill mold and mildew but “cleans” it. When the mold and mildew comes back it will be back stronger than ever and you might have damaged the grout.

The best thing to do when it comes to rust stains: Clean them as soon as possible.

Does your shower have rust stains? We have the answer for you!

1. All you need is baking soda and vinegar. You can create the mixture to your liking but we have used 2/3 baking soda to 1/3 vinegar. Make sure the paste is not very runny. Apply this all-natural mixture to your stain and let sit.

2. The mixture should be left to sit for 10-15 minutes and let it do the cleaning for you. You can even add a bit of lemon juice for its whitening properties. Vinegar and baking soda will fizzle when first mixed so it is best to get the mixture onto your rust stain as soon as you mix it.

3. With a little scrubbing with a sponge your shower will look like this after the all-natural mixture. You don’t have to use harsh cleaning chemicals to get your home clean. Baking soda and vinegar can work miracles right before your eyes, especially on rust stains.

If you are looking to get your home cleaned with safe cleaning products, look no further. Eco-Friendly Cleaning Services can give you a free estimate by filling out a few questions.

Organic Cleaning: It is safer and cheaper!

You don’t have to go out and buy expensive organic cleaning supplies, you only need the following tools to safely clean your bedroom:

1. Vacuum Cleaner with a HEPA filtration system

2. Microfiber dusting cloths

3. Swiffer Extender Duster ( my favorite new tool)

4. Microfiber mop kit (If your floors are carpet skip this)

5. Vinegar (if needed)

First things first, what is C’s number one cleaning rule?

Always go from Top to Bottom.

1. Use your Swiffer extender to dust all corners, trim, and ledges. This includes your ceiling fan, light fixture, and any bed posts that you are unable to reach by hand. Don’t forget heating and air conditioning vents and intakes. I find that Swiffer dusters can be used multiple times by running them through the washing machine and letting them air dry. Putting them in the dryer will destroy their static cling ability.

2. Once you have cleared the cobwebs you are ready to change your linens. It is recommended that your sheets be changed once a week and your duvet cover washed at least once a month. I prefer duvet covers to blankets for two reasons: They are easier to wash and you can give your room a make over just by switching up your bedding. (I keep at least two sets of bedding on hand to avoid waiting for laundry)

3. Now take your slightly damp microfiber, make sure it is not dripping, and wipe all surfaces down. Wipe down all furniture from top to bottom including the sides. Lift all picture frames, lamps, jewelry boxes, and TV boxes. Do not put any chemical on your TV screen but be sure to dust the back of your TV. For mirrors or glass surfaces you may be able to buff any smudges off with a dry microfiber, if this is not possible use a vinegar and water mixture. Using only water or a dry microfiber is essential to chemical free or organic cleaning.

4. Once all the surfaces are dusted it is now time to vacuum. You should vacuum in a linear fashion; starting at the farthest point of the room and working your way to the door. Take the floor attachment off to get the dust out of corners and along the wall. Commonly missed places include: under your heater, under the bed by the head-board, under the dresser, and behind chairs. Be sure to vacuum inside your closet; lifting your shoes to get all the dust bunnies that hide in the corners.

5. Last step (Optional) Mopping or steam cleaning the carpet. If you don’t have pets and take your shoes off at the door this step isn’t needed as often. Periodically you should either mop or steam clean to remove dust residue that cannot be picked up by the vacuum alone. If you have pets mopping should occur every week or so. Steam cleaning rugs is recommended at least once a year. Carpets can hold germs for days at a time. If someone in your home is sick steam cleaning your carpeting can help stop the spread of germs.

The holidays are here and that means houseguests and STAINS! Nobody means to spill wine or forget to use a coaster but inevitably, when all your guests go home at the end of your fabulous party, you will be left to deal with them. Have no fear, we are here to help!

Chocolate

Holidays and kids mixed together usually means chocolate on your carpet. When you find that chocolaty mess, scrape up as much of it as you can then apply a mixture of laundry or dish detergent (1 Tbsp in 2 cups warm water) to the stain and blot. Apply some undiluted, white vinegar to a clean, white towel, blot, then follow up with plain water with a sponge to rinse. Blot dry using a clean, white towel. Cover overnight with clean, white paper towels and place something heavy on top to help draw out the moisture. Remove the towels and fluff the carpet to help finish drying.

Butter and Oil Stains

Grease stains can be hard to treat if not attended to quickly so knowing this tip will save you and your guests grief during laundry time. If some butter or oil finds its way on to your tablecloth or your guest’s clothing, sprinkle some salt, artificial sweetener or cornstarch on to the spot immediately. Any of these will sop up the stain and prevent setting. If possible, pretreat the spot with your usual laundry detergent and gently work in. Launder as usual.

Coffee Stains

Gently blot the coffee stain with a clean, white cloth to remove as much of the stain as possible. Mix a solution of 1/3 cup of white vinegar combined with 2/3 cup warm water in a bowl and apply the mixture to the stain with a clean, white cloth. Repeat until the stain is completely removed. Rinse well with a clean, damp cloth (do not saturate) and blot dry. Cover overnight with clean, white paper towels and place something heavy on top to help draw out the moisture. Remove the towels and fluff the carpet to help finish drying.

Red Wine Stains

As with the other stains, the quicker you get to it, the better! Blot up the excess wine as we did with the coffee stain (do not rub!) then immediate spritz some plain, cold water on the area. We are looking to dilute the stain without saturating the area. Blot again with a clean, white cloth to pull up as much of the wine as possible. To treat the remaining stain, mix a 3:1 ratio paste of baking soda and water. Gently apply the mixture directly to the stain. Allow to dry, then vacuum.

Water Marks

In this tip, oil is our friend! Mayonnaise might cause a stain on our linens but in this instance, it actually can remove a water mark from wood furniture. Simply apply a layer of plain mayonnaise to the stain and leave overnight. In the morning, remove the mayonnaise and buff clean. Fresh water marks will have the best outcome.

Please note: These tips can be used for many different types of fabrics and materials but not all. Testing these tips on a small, indiscrete area of your carpet or linen first is always recommended.

Your home is one of the most important investments you have, and we want to keep it enjoyable for years to come. Let us handle the cleaning for you! Click HERE for a FREE ESTIMATE!

Cleaning is one of those tasks that many people put off. A messy and cluttered office can lead to decreased productivity and even lower morale. Not only is it more pleasant for your employees to work in a clean environment, but it can also boost productivity. Cleaning your office is not only an important task, but it’s also a time-consuming one. Unfortunately, many business owners don’t have the time or resources to keep their offices tidy on their own. Between sorting through mail, answering phones and keeping up with paperwork, it’s hard to find the time to sweep and mop the floors. That’s why many businesses turn to professional cleaning services to take care of the mess.

Here are five reasons why your company needs professional cleaning services:

REASON #1

You’ll save time – when you have a professional cleaning service coming in regularly, you won’t have to worry about dusting, sweeping, or vacuuming. Besides taking care of the cleaning tasks, professional cleaners come equipped with their own supplies. This means you don’t have to spend valuable time shopping for or purchasing equipment or materials. You’ll save time and energy by not having to clean the office yourself.

REASON #2

You’ll save money – Cleaning products can be expensive, especially if you have a large office space. A clean office is cost effective – saving you money on cleaning supplies, janitorial services, and employee sick days. Professional cleaners are often more affordable than you think.

REASON #3

A clean office is a healthy office – it helps reduce the spread of germs and keeps employees healthy. Studies have shown that people are more likely to get sick if they work in an unclean environment. Professional cleaners know how to sanitize surfaces properly and get rid of harmful bacteria.

REASON #4

A clean office is more productive – studies have shown that workers are more productive in a clean environment. A clean office boosts creativity too. Employees feel better about working in a clean environment. A clean office is more professional. Clients and customers will take your company more seriously if it’s presented in a tidy and pristine manner. A clean office is safer too – slips and falls are less likely to occur when floors and surfaces are regularly cleaned.

REASON #5

A clean office is easier to maintain – with consistent, professional cleaning, dirt and dust won’t build up over time. It’s easier to keep your space looking great year-round when you use a professional cleaning service.

Professional cleaning services can help your business in many ways.

From increasing employee productivity to protecting your company’s reputation, having a clean and tidy office is important for any organization. That’s why it’s important to schedule regular cleanings for your workplace. A professional cleaning service will take care of everything. From the floors to the ceilings they’ll leave your office looking and smelling fresh and new. A clean, organized, healthy work environment is essential. It’s proven to increase productivity, creativity, and morale. Not to mention, it just looks nicer!

By scheduling regular professional cleanings, you can ensure that your workplace is a safe and healthy place to be. Not only will your employees appreciate the fresh start, but they’ll also be more productive. When they don’t have to worry about the state of their workspace, they can focus more on getting their work done!

Ready to schedule your company’s first cleaning? Contact us today!

We guarantee you won’t regret it.

You said ‘Goodbye” to plastic/latex and vinyl mildew shower curtains and “HELLO” to gorgeous glass shower doors. They look FABULOUS! But now, you must keep them clean and soap buildup-free using nature’s best cleaning solutions. Keep reading to discover how to prevent soap scum buildup on your glass shower doors, compliments of Eco-Friendly Cleaning Services.

The first step to preventing soap scum buildup is to prevent it from forming in the first place. Here are three tips to get you started:

Tip #1: Switch To Glycerine Soap

Use glycerine bar soap, liquid, or gel body soaps instead of traditional bar soap. The talc and paraffin in bar soap are left behind on your tile and glass shower doors. When it mixes with minerals in your water and dirt, body oils, sloughed-off skin, and bacteria, soap scum is formed.

Tip #2: Clean Surfaces After Every Shower

Keep a hand squeegee in your shower and squeegee the door after every shower
Prevent soap scum buildup by squeegeeing your shower surfaces after every shower
No time to squeegee? No problem. Remove the shower head and rinse the walls and glass of soap residue after every shower.

As an alternative, keep a spray bottle of undiluted white vinegar in your shower and spray down the glass shower doors and all surfaces after every shower. This will also prevent mildew from forming.

Tip #3: Pretreat Glass Shower Doors With Lemon Oil

Treat your glass shower doors with lemon oil once a month. This will prevent water, soap scum, shampoo residue, etc. from sticking to the doors.

3 Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Solutions To Clean Soap Scum

Do you live with people who aren’t so diligent in keeping your shiny, new glass shower doors clean and sparkly? It’s going to be okay. We have easy fixes when you can’t stand guard after every shower.

Here are some inexpensive, effective, and environmentally friendly ways to rid your glass shower doors of that dreaded soap scum! Of course, the best method for you will depend on how heavy and caked-on the soap scum is. So start with our first tip and make your way down as needed. BONUS: These methods will work on your glass shower doors, tub and tiles.

1. Vinegar Cleaning Solution

Recipe

Combine 4 cups of white vinegar, 4 cups of warm water, and one tbsp dishwashing detergent (Dawn brand works best) in a spray bottle.

Cleaning Procedure

1. Spray on your glass shower doors, let sit for 15 minutes, then gently scrub the area with a clean, soft bristle brush.
2. Rinse clean with hot water, then squeegee or dry with a clean cloth.

2. Baking Soda Cleaning Solution

Recipe

Create a paste using a 1:1 ratio of baking soda and water—add more water as necessary to make a spreadable consistency. Once you have your paste, mix in 1 tbsp of dishwashing detergent—again, we suggest using Dawn.

Cleaning Procedure

1. Apply the mixture to your glass shower door and other areas with soap scum buildup. Let sit for 15 minutes, then gently scrub the area with a clean, soft bristle brush.
2. Rinse clean with hot water, then squeegee or dry with a clean cloth.

3. Borax Cleaning Solution

Recipe

Create a paste using a 1:1 ratio of Borax and water—add more water as necessary to make a spreadable consistency. Once you have your paste, mix in 2 tbsp of dishwashing detergent—Yup, you will get lots of use on that Dawn purchase.

Cleaning Procedure

1. Once you have your paste, mix in 2 tbsp of dishwashing detergent (Yup, you will get lots of use on that Dawn purchase).
2. Apply the mixture to your glass shower door and other areas with soap scum buildup.
3. Let sit for 15 minutes, then gently scrub the area with a clean, soft bristle brush.
4. Rinse clean with hot water, then squeegee or dry with a clean cloth.

Parting Thoughts

We hope these tips allow you to enjoy your glass shower doors for years! But, for those significant cleaning sessions for your Hamptons Home, we can help. Call us at 0800 251 037 for more information on keeping your East End home or office clean!